Rainstorm: NEMA, SEMA visit Ekiti community, promise succour

General Manager of Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA), Mr Jide Borode, has advised people of the state to embrace tree planting, to serve as windbreaks and protect the environment from windstorm.

Borode gave the advice in Osi-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti, during an assessment visit to the community, following the recent rainstorm that destroyed many buildings in the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the SEMA chief led the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Head of Operations for Ekiti, Ondo and Osun states, Mr Akadiri Olanrewaju, to the community.

He stressed that tree planting could also be used as panacea to issues of climate change like global warming and other ecological challenges.

Describing the effect of the rainstorm that destroyed many property in the community as catastrophic and unfortunate, Borode said that the state government would look into the possibility of assisting the victims of the disaster.

In his remarks, Olanrewaju, noted the dearth of trees in the area that could serve as windbreak.

According to him, trees or shrubs can reduce the force of the wind and lessen soil erosion, which helps increase crop yields and protect livestock from harsh weather conditions.

Olanrewaju stressed the importance of stopping indiscriminate felling of trees, adding that, at least, two trees should be planted in place of every one cut down.

He said: “Teak, palm tree and some other big trees can help suppress the effect of windstorms.”

Vice-Chairman, Osi-Ekiti Progressive Union, Alhaji Ashiru Ganiyu, who spoke on behalf of the community, appealed to the state and federal governments as well as public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations to help the victims of the disaster.

NAN reports that over 100 houses were affected by the rainstorm, with property worth millions of naira destroyed at Isao quarters, Iwaro and the palace area of the community.